During this brand-new Sewing With Nancy series, Sew Gifts–Make Memories, we’ll be featuring gifts to sew that don’t always start with fabric yardage. Sewing gifts ranks as the number one reason why most of us sew. When my guest Mary Mulari proposed the idea of sewing gift-giving solutions, I knew it was the perfect TV topic. Mary’s projects are clever, useful, and enjoyable to create.

Our first gift project, in Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part Two, is a Hanky and Doily Table Runner made from items that might be tucked away in a drawer. A collection of vintage handkerchiefs are usually stored away and seldom seen. Choose several handkerchiefs and with just a few sewing steps, you’ll have a table runner that’s an attractive conversation piece.

Next we’ll show how to sew a Two-Tie Belt. Is there a bag full of men’s neckties in one of your closets, waiting for an inspirational project? Here’s one way to use two at a time and wear the results. The obi-style belt features a hidden pocket to store a credit card, money or other treasures. If the ties formerly belonged to a family member, your new belt has additional memories attached.

Our third gift project, in Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part Two, is a Speedy Towel Apron. This unisex style apron is a speedy gift project sewn from ready-made towels. All you need are two canvas-weight or vintage towels, grosgrain ribbon and a little sewing savvy and you’ll be able to stitch up a welcomed gift.

Tune in and watch Sew Gifts–Make Memories Part Twoto learn how to make Mary’s Upcycled Notebook Wraps. Make a classy new cover for a notebook, recipe book, journal, or photo album. These notebook covers started out as laminated shopping bags. Adjustable, upcycled book wraps are the perfect way to preserve the good memories stored inside.

Mary and I wrap up this new series with Everyone’s Favorite Baby Bib. You’ll soon learn that guest and hand towels are easy choices for durable baby bibs. Mom, dad, grandmother, and caregiver will all appreciate having bibs on hand; so make several.

For a chance to win a copy of the book, Sew Gifts–Make Memoriesby Mary Mulari, please leave a comment below and let us know what gifts you’re sewing this holiday season.

Don’t forget to submit your holiday stocking in my Stocking Challenge! The deadline to enter is MONDAY, December 7, 2015. Click here to see how to enter. Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here.

My sister is undergoing chemo for ovarian cancer and has lost weight and her hair. I have made her 3 hats and embroidered 2 new shirts for her. Fortunately., her treatment has been successful thus far.

Caro from middle TNDecember 4, 2015

I am sewing the binding on quilts for a friend and family. Also, I plan to make two sets of small “stuffed”Christmas trees…one for my sister and one for myself.

Pat AllenDecember 2, 2015

My 6 year old grand daughter has lost all of her toys so I am busy making Barbie and American Girl doll clothes for Christmas to replace those lost when they lost their home. Until this happens you never realize how many pretty little dresses, wall hangings, simple things like pot holders and pillows are lost that have been made with love. So….my machine will be busy for awhile trying to replace some of those memories.

Mary GreenNovember 19, 2015

I have a stack of vintage hankies from Aunt Margie that will be perfect for the runner, and the Advent calendar will go to our granddaughter 2,000 miles away.

JudiCNovember 17, 2015

I woulld love to make your hanky table runner using vintage hankys from my mother-in-law.

Cindy CookeNovember 15, 2015

Been thinking of an advent calendar for a couple of grands that live across the country from me. The idea of using velcro dots to hang the ornaments is a great one! Would love to have a copy of your book, the ideas you offer online make me think there’s much more to come! Thanks for the opportunity! It is good to see you again, NZ!

Lani PilgrimNovember 15, 2015

I’m making pieced XMAS stockings for my daughter and her family and a matching tree skirt. I also have a pillow to make for my Granddaughter and a quilted blanket for our dog. Right now that’s all I have to do and am close to finishing the tree skirt and stockings

KayNovember 15, 2015

I’m making personalized ornaments, pillowcases and towels all with a Christmas theme.

Lori MNovember 14, 2015

Hello, I am sewing Neck Rolls for the girls…and I would like to add those cute aprons to the list….Thank you for the giveaway…

Debbie ChenowethNovember 14, 2015

I am making embroidered towels, quilted wall hangings, pillowcases and whatever else I can think of.

Beverly HutchinsNovember 14, 2015

I was looking for an idea to use some buttons I inherited from my mother and saw the countdown Christmas tree. What an fabulous idea for these treasured items along with the tie belt along with some other project that will allow myself and my siblings to treasure items from our parents. I can’t wait to start the project now.

ThunderNovember 14, 2015

I am making quilts, pillow cases, baby blankets, and a few stuffed animals. Maybe some lounge pants.

Michelle HallNovember 14, 2015

Hopefully I will get some embroidered ornaments done as well as some doll clothes

Kris LeamaNovember 13, 2015

I’m making mug rugs, dolls, stockings, and jammies

LILLIAN KNovember 13, 2015

I AM MAKING PILLOWS, PILLOWCASES AND DOLL CLOTHES.

Leanda MayerNovember 13, 2015

I’m making bags for my girls.

Sherry HarperNovember 13, 2015

Would really enjoy winning this book. It would come in handy for my Holiday sewing. Thank you

Cindy BloschiesNovember 13, 2015

What fun! Would love to start giving these gifts, personalized by color and design, to my family – not just for Christmas, but all year long!

ReneaNovember 13, 2015

thanks for the chance to win this wonderful book. I would love to make some of these projects.

teriNovember 13, 2015

I’m making a couple of quilts and Christmas stockings.

Jenny RojasNovember 13, 2015

This year I’m making lap quilt for my siblings and Mom.

JudyNovember 12, 2015

I’ll be making doll clothes and FSL Christmas ornaments.

Mary WippoldNovember 12, 2015

For Christmas gifts this year I am sewing baby quilts, quilted make-up bags, and tote bags.

Ursula MNovember 12, 2015

I am at the border stage of a baby quilt I would like to finish before Christmas. It is going very slow right now. I need motivation!

KarenNovember 12, 2015

I am sewing bags, doll clothes and kitchen items. A quite book and who knows what if I have time.

kathyNovember 12, 2015

I am planning on making a quilt for my great nieces!!

DebraNovember 12, 2015

I’m making fun aprons for my young granddaughters and grandsons as well as some woolen mittens for my daughter-in-laws using recycled, felted wool sweaters. I’d like to try some new gift ideas, as well as the old favorite of bibs from towels in your book.

Sharon SSNovember 12, 2015

I’ll definitely be bringing out my tie collection to make the belt. Then, it’s on to the note book covers.

MartyNovember 12, 2015

I’ll be making lots of bibs, but I especially want to say a HUGE THANKS for the Hanky & Doily Runner idea! I didn’t want to make quilt squares with my gram’s hankies; this runner will be so perfect! I’ll use her floral ones to make a decorative runner to display on my office’s waiting-room countertop in May-June.

Stitching names, numbers, sports, and school names on t-shirts and sweatshirts for my grandchildren.

Jackie TaxterNovember 12, 2015

Mug rugs, table runners, place mats.

KarenNovember 12, 2015

Paper pieced turkeys!!! They are lower in calories than real turkeys!!!

EllNovember 12, 2015

There are so many pretty glasses for Christmas cheer, I am going to make coasters for gifts with an embroidered design.

Stephanie TaylorNovember 12, 2015

My Christmas gifts for family and friends will include microwave potato bakers. I’ll be using cotton fabrics that match the colors in their kitchens. Shhh…don’t tell!

CatherineNovember 12, 2015

I would like to try the towel apron this year.

ROBIN, TXNovember 12, 2015

Zip pouches, wall hanging, child purses, among other things.

Linda RupeNovember 12, 2015

We make all of our gifts each year and many have come from ideas you have shared through the years. It is amazing how timeless your ideas are. Pajama pants are a staple – usually with a t-shirt with an added pocket in the pants fabric, so they make a nice set.

Sherie ChristiansenNovember 12, 2015

I try to make something homemade for everyone in my family each year. New ideas are always welcome. For my daughters (including my daughters-in-law) this year I am making them new aprons (the ones I made them a few years ago are wearing out) and casserole carriers to go along with the dishcloths I have been knitting for them. And of course the grandkids get new pajamas every year.

CherylNovember 12, 2015

Can’t wait to see the instructions for the baby bib. Hubby and I have a new great-granddaughter as well as a new niece and great-niece.

Virginia SeversonNovember 12, 2015

I liked the towel aprons. I think I should make some of those.

Mary AndrusNovember 12, 2015

I absolutely love the hankie runner! That’s 1st on my list of the many great items to make. Please keep the terrific ideas coming.

Dell MartinezNovember 12, 2015

What a lot of good ideas, Nancy and Mary! The table runner with doilies and baby bibs are on my list for sure! I love you both for all your ideas and instructions. You make me look so talented.

Joyce StiehlerNovember 12, 2015

I plan on making some Quilted Mirrors and purses to match for all the ladies in our family. I haven’t decided what to make for the guys except for my hubby. I plan on making him a vest using southwestern material.

Linda ENovember 12, 2015

I’m going to make a First Christmas bib for my grandson. I’d also like to try the bowl holders. Thanks for all the good ideas!

Rhonda DavisNovember 12, 2015

I’m making an apron for a granddaughter and a tool belt/apron for one grandson. Haven’t decided what to make for the youngest grandson.

CarolynNovember 12, 2015

I am making pillows for grandnieces w/sorority logos. I am also making clutch pillows and embellished kitchen towels.

CindyNovember 12, 2015

This Christmas, my daughter and I am making ornaments out of felt. We enjoy spending time together and working on our project. I also plan to make ornaments for the children in my church. (fun foam) As a grandma now, I will reflect on all the stuffed animals and dolls I made for my girls in years past. My grandson is into robots and monsters and dogs so we will see!

DawnNovember 12, 2015

look like some great gifts. would like to try the purse tote.
thanks for your great tv programs and =Marys great simple ideas.

SharonNovember 12, 2015

Am planning on making some of the microwave bowl holders and a bunch of free standing lace ornaments. But this book gives me a few more ideas. thank you

We have just moved so am trying to get everything unpacked and in place- so working on hot pads- scented- and the potato bags- (for microwaving potatoes and corn and such -) have a Blessed and Happy Holiday love all of your ideas thanks

Mary always has the best ideas! I’ve got a collection of her books and love them all. I have made the hand towel baby bib many times. I love adding a machine embroidered design to it and I fold the bottom front up a couple of inches to make a ‘crumb catcher’. I think everyone loves these bibs because they cover up so much of the child preventing all those food mishaps on their clothes!

Sharon V.November 12, 2015

I love to make cosmetic bags for gifts – also fabric tissue covers, fabric coasters. Small, easily mailed gifts that fit into an envelope are great.

PamBNovember 12, 2015

I have a blanket cut out that I need to sew this weekend.

Kitty MNovember 12, 2015

Just finished a quillow as a fund-raiser raffle item, now about to embark on Christmas gifts. First on the list is a few sets of microwavable bowl holders. (I absolutely love one that I picked up not too long ago.) Hoping those I gift them to will love them at least half as much! The book has some wonderful ideas for gifts, so I would love to win that.

Mary SNovember 12, 2015

First off, there is this nifty towel for drying the dog after her bath. Really cute pattern. Then, embroidered ornaments for several children, and hopefully, a few stuffies for the grandchildren. So better get to the sewing machine. Thanks for the gift ideas Mary and Nancy.

JoyceNovember 12, 2015

I am making little zippered make up bags and fleece socks.

DorothyNovember 12, 2015

I have six grandchildren, ranging from 6 months to 9 years. Each one gets a sewn gift from Nana every year. I still haven’t decided what to make. There are so many choices. I am thinking bath towels with there names sewn on.

BonnieNovember 12, 2015

For the holiday season I am sewing some table runners and ruffled towels for gifts. I love the Notebook Wraps in this book and would like to add them to my gift list. Thanks for the great giveaway!

BonnyeNovember 12, 2015

I will be making lounge pants for the family. My son recently adopted 2 children and my other son just had a baby. That will keep me busy.

Diane CNovember 12, 2015

Actually, I am making a tree skirt for myself. Towels for others

Susan TonnerelloNovember 12, 2015

Sleep masks from a Nancy embroidery pattern. Fleece texting gloves from Nancy! FSL bookmarks. Quilt for a grandson. Whew! What am I not making!

Deb WallaceNovember 12, 2015

PJ pants and boxers for the family. Last year I made Nancy’s weekend bag for several of my family members and friends and they loved them. I will be making apron, pillows and casserole covers too. I Better get busy because Christmas is right around the corner. Thanks for all the ideas you share.

LorriNovember 12, 2015

I watched this episode and loved it! Nancy & Mary make a great team…I always learn something new. How does Mary think of these things? Thanks for showing and sharing.

I am making pajama pants for each of my children and grandchildren (a tradition I started about 20 years ago), as well as some ruffled clutch purses for my granddaughters. I am also making mug rugs for co-workers.

Margaret C.November 12, 2015

We have friends who come from Europe for Thanksgiving. The day after we exchange gifts. This year I am making Tech Charging Stations following the Man Sewing video. In the past, I have made pillow cases using the burrito technique and tissue box covers from Sew4home. Always a challenge but fun. Can’t beat one of a kind.

Elizabeth LewisNovember 12, 2015

I am sewing belts and bags for members of my sewing group.

DebbyNovember 12, 2015

I love Mary Mulari! She always has awesome ideas. I try and do alot of sewing for the holidays so I’m sure I’ll find inspiration from both Nancy and Mary.

Marianne from TennesseeNovember 12, 2015

My mom and I are making Christmas throws for all the family members. I piece and she hand quilts. We have 19 to make and she is on the homestretch with the last one waiting for her frame.

Sandra CantrellNovember 12, 2015

I am sewing pillows and booties for eight grands.

SusanNovember 12, 2015

I am sewing a wall hanging for my pastor.

IlanaNovember 12, 2015

I’m making a quilt and flannel pajama pants.

SHIRLEY CARTERNovember 12, 2015

Have a new great grandson. Made the bib and bath towel. Very easy and much appreciated by the new mom. Can’t wait to see what else is coming. Thanks Nancy